Photo by Richard Hurd

Soledad O’Brien added to Chamber’s Sold-out IceBreaker Luncheon

MADISON – The Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce annual lunch event, IceBreaker, just got even bigger with the addition of critically-acclaimed journalist and documentarian, Soledad O’Brien as a featured speaker and moderator. O’Brien will share the stage with previously-announced keynote Steve Case, co-founder of America Online.

O’Brien will interview Case about his new book, The Third Wave, and discuss the next era of entrepreneurship and innovation. Together they will bring international insight on business, leadership and Greater Madison’s place in The Third Wave.

Tickets for the event have already sold out, with more than 750 business attendees filling the Kohl Center floor and, new this year, designated student sections in the arena stands with 450 total attendees from Madison Metropolitan High Schools, Madison College, Edgewood College and UW-Madison.

“To witness one of the best journalists in the world interview one of the best entrepreneurial minds in the world right here in Madison will be special,” said Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce President Zach Brandon. “We are particularly excited to have our future leaders be a part of the conversation as we discuss Greater Madison’s role in The Third Wave and our ability to solve global problems.”

IceBreaker is sold out to the public, but press credentials can be obtained by contacting Kevin Little, Chamber Vice President, at klittle@greatermadisonchamber.com.

The Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce is the voice of business with nearly 1,300 organizations – ranging from one-person shops to corporations with more than 8,000 employees – working to bring the Greater Madison area to its full potential. The Greater Madison region is a leader in innovation. From cutting-edge technologies to distinctive retail shops to inventive services and products, our members vary greatly but are united by the region’s entrepreneurial spirit. More information can be found at greatermadisonchamber.com.

Photo by Richard Hurd

Case to discuss his highly anticipated book The Third Wave greater Madison’s role.

MADISON, Wis. (Feb 12, 2016) – One of the world’s most successful entrepreneurs and business executives will be the keynote speaker at the Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce second annual IceBreaker luncheon on April 21 at the Kohl Center in Madison. Steve Case, co-founder of America Online and CEO of Revolution LLC, will discuss how we’re entering the Third Wave of the internet—a period when entrepreneurs will change the way we live our lives by leveraging new technologies to transform the country’s largest sectors and how places like greater Madison can play an increasing role in solving global challenges.

“Steve Case literally got the world online through America Online, created thousands of jobs, and orchestrated the largest merger in business history,” said Chamber President Zach Brandon. “We’re honored to feature his insight at one of our most dynamic events of the year.”

Case’s visit coincides with the release of his first book, The Third Wave, which is part memoir about Case’s extraordinary business career launching AOL and driving the worldwide adoption of the internet, and part manifesto that predicts we’re at the dawn of the next technological revolution unlike anything we’ve seen before—the Third Wave of the internet— that will transform major industries in the economy.

“In his book, and his recent Rise of the Rest Tour, Steve highlights the potential of mid-American cities like Madison, not just Silicon Valley, to lead the next wave of innovation,” said Brandon. “It is a strong statement that one of the greatest entrepreneurial minds continues to identify greater Madison as a place that is solving global challenges.”

IceBreaker is the spring lunchtime companion to the Chamber’s annual fall dinner, and the only business event held on the Kohl Center floor. The unique setting will be complemented with a diverse audience of business executives, civic leaders, and new this year, a student section for high school, college and university students.

“This year’s Icebreaker will bring together current and future business and community leaders,” said Brandon. “The energy in the Kohl Center is going to be inspiring on April 21.”

About the Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce:The Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce is the voice of business with nearly 1,300 organizations – ranging from one-person shops to corporations with more than 10,000 employees – working to bring the Greater Madison area to its full potential. The Greater Madison region is a leader in innovation. From cutting-edge technologies to distinctive retail shops to inventive services and products, our members vary greatly but are united by the region’s entrepreneurial spirit. More information can be found at greatermadisonchamber.com.

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Photo by Richard Hurd

Kevin Little Named Vice President of Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce

MADISON – The Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce announced today that Kevin Little will serve as the organization’s new Vice president. In this role, Little will lead the Chamber’s external relations, including its political advocacy, economic development, communications, programming and events.

Previously, Little served as the Chamber’s Director of Public Policy and more recently as the Managing Director of Economic Development. Chamber President Zach Brandon said Little’s diverse blend of experience and established relationships in the region will enable the organization to accelerate its external activity to serve its nearly 1,300 business members.

“As we accelerate and compete on a global level, our ability to effectively communicate greater Madison’s brand and economic opportunity while strengthening the Chamber’s business advocacy and value to our members requires talent with deep local knowledge and a committed focus,” Brandon said. “With the talent we have in place, the Chamber and greater Madison have never been better positioned.”

Little says he looks forward to the work ahead, noting the encouraging economic trends and opportunities for greater Madison’s business community.

“There has never been a more exciting and meaningful time to be doing this work, especially in a place with as much potential as greater Madison, and an organization with as much momentum as the Chamber,” said Little. “I look forward to contributing more in this new role to serve our valued members, support our talented team and community partners, and capitalize on this opportunistic moment for our region.”

About the Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce:The Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce is the voice of business with nearly 1,300 organizations – ranging from one-person shops to corporations with more than 8,000 employees – working to bring the Greater Madison area to its full potential. The Greater Madison region is a leader in innovation. From cutting-edge technologies to distinctive retail shops to inventive services and products, our members vary greatly but are united by the region’s entrepreneurial spirit. More information can be found at greatermadisonchamber.com.

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Photo by Richard Hurd

Chamber Urges Immediate Action to Avoid Multi-Year Road Work Delays

Today the Chamber sent a letter to state legislative leaders and Governor Walker, urging immediate action to avoid multi-year delays to critical road projects including I-39/90 and Verona Road. For business, economic, mobility and safety reasons, multi-year delays are just plain unacceptable.

Ideally, we would like to see long-term transportation finance reform to provide sustainable revenue sources for projects. In the short-term, however, immediate options must be considered, including use of the budgeted contingency bonding, to lessen the impact on these critical projects.

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Learned a lot last 48hrs @CTIdeaFest. Great insights into political campaign innovation, future of health innovation in Madison, on not becoming #Seattle, and impact investing. BUT, biggest takeaway came from Judy Faulkner: